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Frequently asked questions about Russia's attack on Ukraine and its effects on Russian citizens

We are currently receiving a large number of questions related to Russia’s attack on Ukraine. On this page, we have put together answers to frequently asked questions. The page will be updated as the situation develops. 

In Russian: Часто задаваемые вопросы о нападении России на Украину и его влиянии на россиян

If your question is about crossing the border to Finland, you can visit the website of the Finnish Border Guard. The Border Guard is responsible for controlling the borders of Finland.
If your question is about visas, see the website of the Ministry for Foreign Affairs. The Ministry for Foreign Affairs is responsible for visa matters.

General questions

Can you process my application as urgent because of Russia’s attack?

The processing of an application cannot be expedited based on Russia’s attack. Read more about expedited processing.

Banks in Russia have threatened to freeze bank accounts because of the sanctions. What should I do if I can’t get bank statements or can’t add them to my residence permit application?

First, check our website to see whether or not bank statements are required for your application. If bank statements are required but you cannot obtain them, add a written statement about this to your application. Explain in your statement why you cannot submit the required documents. We will take the explanation into account when your application is decided.

Does Russia’s attack on Ukraine affect the processing of applications lodged by Russian citizens?

Applications submitted by Russian citizens are processed normally. However, Russia’s attack on Ukraine may lead to longer processing times.

I’d like to apply for a residence permit in Finland. Do you accept applications from Russian citizens?

Yes, we will process applications submitted by Russian citizens.

Asylum seekers

I’m a Russian citizen. Can I apply for asylum in Finland?

To be able to apply for asylum in Finland, the applicant needs to be within the Finnish territory. You cannot apply for asylum for example by sending a letter or an email to the Finnish Immigration Service. It is not possible to apply for asylum at a Finnish mission (embassy or consulate) located outside Finland. If you want to apply for asylum in Finland, tell the border control authorities or the police immediately upon arrival in Finland that you wish to apply for asylum. Read more about applying for asylum: Asylum in Finland

The Finnish Immigration Service does not make assessments of anyone’s possibilities to be granted asylum before an asylum application is actually submitted. After an asylum seeker personally submits an asylum application to the police or the border control authorities in Finland, the Finnish Immigration Service will examine the application. 

We investigate each asylum application individually, taking into account the current situation in and up-to-date country information on the asylum seeker’s home country. The need for international protection is assessed in relation to the asylum seeker’s country of nationality, meaning the applicant’s home country.

I’m a Russian citizen. Can I get temporary protection in Finland?

Temporary protection is a form of protection meant for people fleeing Ukraine because of the war and for people who are unable to return to Ukraine because of the war. Read more about who can be granted temporary protection: Temporary protection for those fleeing Ukraine 

I’m Russian citizen. What are my chances of getting asylum in Finland? 

The Finnish Immigration Service does not make assessments of anyone’s possibilities to be granted asylum before an asylum application is actually submitted. After an asylum seeker personally submits an asylum application to the police or the border control authorities in Finland, the Finnish Immigration Service will examine the application. 

We investigate each asylum application individually, taking into account the current situation in and up-to-date country information on the asylum seeker’s home country. The need for international protection is assessed in relation to the asylum seeker’s country of nationality, meaning the applicant’s home country.

For more information, see the page What are the grounds for asylum?.

I’m Russian citizen and I have openly supported Ukraine. What are my chances of getting asylum in Finland?

The Finnish Immigration Service does not make assessments of anyone’s possibilities to be granted asylum before an asylum application is actually submitted. After an asylum seeker personally submits an asylum application to the police or the border control authorities in Finland, the Finnish Immigration Service will examine the application. 

We investigate each asylum application individually, taking into account the current situation in and up-to-date country information on the asylum seeker’s home country. The need for international protection is assessed in relation to the asylum seeker’s country of nationality, meaning the applicant’s home country.

For more information, see the page What are the grounds for asylum?.

Residence permits

Does Russia’s attack on Ukraine affect the existing residence permits of Russian citizens, or the granting of residence permits to Russian citizens?

Currently, the residence permits of Russian citizens are processed normally. However, Russia’s attack on Ukraine may lead to longer processing times because in some cases it may be difficult to obtain the necessary application documents from Russia. 

I've already applied for a residence permit but I have not yet received a decision. Can I come to Finland already now?

You must have a residence permit or a visa to travel to Finland. For more information on visas, see the website of the Ministry for Foreign Affairs. If you come to Finland while your application is still being processed by the Finnish Immigration Service, inform the Finnish Immigration Service of your new contact details in Finland. See the page Changes to your application or contact information. 

Can I apply for a first residence permit in Finland and stay here to wait for the decision? 

You can submit your application for a first residence permit in Finland if you are staying in Finland legally with a visa. If you submit your application in Finland, you can wait here until a decision is made. To be granted a residence permit, you must meet the requirements for obtaining the permit. Read more about first residence permits.

I can’t renew my passport but I need to apply for an extended permit. What should I do?

If you have tried to get a passport but have not received it, attach a free-form statement about this to your application. Explain in your statement why you cannot submit the required documents. We will take the explanation into account when your application is decided.

I’m a Russian citizen living in a country that does not have a Finnish mission. I want apply for a residence permit in Finland. Where can I submit the application?

To find the Finnish mission closest to you, see the website of Finland's Ministry for Foreign Affairs: finlandabroad.fi.

Citizenship

Are there any plans to reconsider the dual citizenships held by Russians?

No. Finnish citizenship may only be lost for specific reasons laid down by law. The conditions for obtaining Finnish citizenship are also laid down by law.

Finnish citizenship is not granted unless the relevant conditions are met.

Can I apply for Finnish citizenship?

There are no restrictions regarding the nationality of the applicant. Citizens of any country may apply for Finnish citizenship. However, you should not apply before you meet all the requirements for becoming a citizen, such as a sufficient period of residence and language skills.